ADEN:Houthis seize strategic islands in Bab el-Mandeb as the Iran-aligned Yemeni group advances along the Red Sea coastline, raising fresh concerns over one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes. Yemeni government sources told Reuters that Houthi forces reached Perim island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Friday after government-backed forces withdrew from the strategic location.
The developments could further complicate commercial shipping through the Red Sea and increase pressure on global energy markets. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and serves as a crucial route for international trade and energy shipments.
According to Yemeni government sources, Houthi forces also captured the mainland coastal town of Dhubab, which faces Perim island. The group reportedly expanded its presence to other strategic locations, including Hanish islands and the coastal city of Mocha.
Houthis Seize Strategic Islands in Bab el-Mandeb as Shipping Risks Grow
The latest Houthi advance has raised concerns about the security of commercial vessels using the Red Sea route. Any sustained disruption in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could force ships to take longer alternative routes, increasing transportation costs and potentially putting further pressure on global commodity prices.
The situation is particularly significant because another major energy corridor, the Strait of Hormuz, has already been severely disrupted amid the widening conflict in the Middle East.
With Hormuz handling a major share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, additional disruption around Bab el-Mandeb could create further uncertainty for international energy markets.
Saudi Oil Infrastructure Also Comes Under Pressure
Saudi Arabia has faced growing security concerns as regional tensions intensify. Satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters showed smoke near the kingdom’s East-West oil pipeline following attacks on Thursday.
Saudi state media reported that the pipeline was temporarily shut as a precaution after attacks, while several people were reportedly injured.
The East-West pipeline is strategically important because it allows Saudi Arabia to transport crude toward the Red Sea, providing an alternative route for exports that might otherwise pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The International Energy Agency also reported a sharp decline in Saudi crude supply in August, with production falling to around six million barrels per day.
Oil Prices Remain Above $100 a Barrel
The latest developments have added to concerns about global oil supplies. Oil prices declined slightly on Friday but remained on track to finish the week above $100 per barrel, according to the Reuters report.
A prolonged disruption in either the Bab el-Mandeb or Hormuz shipping corridors could increase transportation costs and tighten global energy supplies.
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The number of vessels tracked through the Strait of Hormuz also declined sharply, highlighting the growing impact of the regional conflict on commercial shipping.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said maritime navigation remained safe for most shipping but maintained restrictions on Saudi vessels.
Yemen Government Plans Counter-Offensive
Yemeni government forces have indicated that they intend to launch efforts to regain areas captured by the Houthis along the Red Sea coast.
Officials said weapons and aircraft would be deployed against Houthi forces in strategically important locations, including routes leading toward Mocha.
The rapid Houthi advance has added another dimension to the wider regional conflict. Iranian support for the group has also become a major concern for Saudi Arabia and its allies.
Iran publicly describes the Houthis as an ally but denies directly controlling their military operations.
Saudi Arabia Seeks US Support
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly contacted US President Donald Trump twice on Thursday to seek American military assistance against the Houthis, according to sources cited by Reuters.
Washington reportedly indicated that it was not prepared to launch direct military action at this stage but would assist Saudi Arabia and Yemen with intelligence sharing and targeting support.
The White House did not confirm details of the reported calls, although a senior US administration official said Washington remained in close communication with Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government.
The latest Houthi advances around Bab el-Mandeb have therefore created concerns extending beyond Yemen. With the region already facing disruption around major energy routes, further escalation could affect international shipping, oil supplies and prices, adding to economic pressure across global markets.
